I wish my students knew that…
I am on their side and desire to see them do well.
There is no short cut to the hard work of practicing.
Music can be its own reward.
We are confronted with who we are when attempting to master a piece.
We can become who we want to be through music’s inspiration and study.
Music is not reserved and owned by a select few; it belongs to everyone.
Failures are cobblestones paving the road to achievements, and are a normal and expected part of the process.
A new piece is hardest the first couple of days; then, it gradually becomes easier.
It’s not time wasted to keep trying.
Music may be given as a gift and can be remembered forever.
A sense of humor is key to understanding even the most serious composers.
Playing slowly allows the mind to process all the information, build muscle memory, and learn the music faster.
Isolating tricky spots and the surrounding transitions is the most efficient way to improve a piece.
Allow yourself to feel frustrated.
Remember the goals you met and what you did well.
While it is good to have passion about doing well in a lesson in front of a teacher, it is more beneficial for the student if they redirect their passion toward love of the music instead.
Let your teacher worry about how to help you develop; just bring your best preparation.
Teachers are students, too.
Good teachers want their students to do well. Great teachers want their students to become better than they are.
A good recording or live performance can teach you what it means to be expressive.
Repetition is necessary, normal, and offers freedom.
Some musicians favor learning by ear; some musicians favor learning by sight-reading. Both are good, both are necessary.
It takes experience to listen to yourself while you play.
Musicians live in the past, present and future all at once. Anticipate what comes next in order to guide the listener in the overall structure.
The best way to prepare for a performance is to play for as many people as you can before the concert.
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